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.165309.1
HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 14
48
TH LEGISLATURE
- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -
FIRST SESSION
, 2007
INTRODUCED BY
W. C. "Dub" Williams
A JOINT MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THAT THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ENSURE THAT
TEACHERS HAVE THE RIGHT AND FREEDOM TO TEACH BIOLOGICAL ORIGINS
OBJECTIVELY.
WHEREAS, teaching some aspects of evolutionary theory
causes controversy; and
WHEREAS, scientific theories of biological origins have
implications that can challenge or support the personal
religious or philosophical beliefs of students and their
parents; and
WHEREAS, most parents favor allowing teachers to discuss
both the strengths and weaknesses of evolutionary theory when
biological origins are taught; and
WHEREAS, many credentialed scientists challenge certain
aspects of evolutionary theory; and
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.165309.1
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WHEREAS, existing state law does not expressly protect a
teacher's right to objectively present scientific critiques of
evolutionary theory; and
WHEREAS, existing state law does not expressly assure
parents that their children will be objectively informed of
scientific information relevant to biological origins; and
WHEREAS, existing state law does not adequately protect
the rights of students to subscribe to a particular position on
biological origins; and
WHEREAS, the trust that parents place in public education
compels the legislature to take special interest in this area
of public education;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be
requested to ensure that when a theory of biological origins is
taught, public school teachers in New Mexico have the right and
freedom to objectively inform students of any scientific
information that is relevant to both the strengths and
weaknesses of that theory; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education
department be requested to ensure that teachers are not
reassigned, terminated, disciplined or otherwise discriminated
against for objectively informing students of scientific
information relevant to both the strengths and weaknesses of a
theory of biological origins; and
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.165309.1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education
department be requested to ensure that students are encouraged
to critically analyze scientific information and allowed the
right and freedom to reach their own conclusions about
biological origins; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education
department be requested to ensure that no student is penalized
in any way for subscribing to a particular position on
biological origins; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be
transmitted to the public education department for further
distribution to school districts.
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